Oct 27, 2013 | Joe Heinisch | 255 views
Big Win For The Lightning
Sunday October 27, 2013
Game Reporter: Jay Nijhuis
The AtoMc Black Lightning Team knew going into the game Sunday October 27 that they would be facing the ONLY team yet to lose a game this season and that was all the motivation the boys needed for what was their best performance of this very young season.
Coach Joe and Coach Jeff spent a lot of time in the practise on Saturday working on passing. When you watch the NHL pros in action, you see very often that it takes 2-3 quick short passes to get out of their end zone, the long break away pass doesn't work very often. So it was very gratifying to see our Defence take the time to gain control of the puck in our own end and then look for the wingers on the half boards for breakout passes. They didn't always work, but the thought process was there and that is what coaching and learning is all about.
The coaching staff felt that this game might be our most complete game of a very young season. Our defence was very strong and did a fantastic job of blocking shots, clearing rebounds out of the "House" and with skating or passing the puck out of danger in our own end. They also did a great job of pinching down low to keep the puck in play down at the other end of the ice. Our forwards put on lots of forechecking pressure, made some great passes and came back deep into our end to pick up open men and take passes from our D.
Defence is a Team concept but we do have to mention the outstanding play of BOTH goaltenders in todays game. This morning Liam B started the game and made some key saves early in the first period that allowed us to take a lead and keep it. Jackson M. took over half way through the game and closed the door, including a huge save to preserve the shut out with about 12 seconds left in the game.
The McDonald's Golden Jersey was awarded to Liam B for his great goaltending performance and first start of the season. He battled nerves but didn't battle the puck and looked very confident between the pipes. We should also mention the Offensive prowess of Grady S. who sniped 2 goals today and he also had the primary assist along with Logan N. on the other goal scored by Corey S. The boys in Black skated proudly off the ice with a 3-0 win under their belts knowing full well how dangerous that AtoMc Red team is and that they will certainly have us in their sites the next time we play.
The coaches are really happy with the way the season has unfolded so far and are very proud of how hard each and every player has worked.
We should mention we had one player missing with an injury for today's game, we were missing Daniel K. with an undisclosed upper body injury. We are not sure how it happened, but have heard rumours that he was bench pressing 500 lbs in the gym during an off ice training session when something "popped". We hope to have Daniel back into our lineup soon.
Just a reminder that there is a Goaltender Training Session this coming Monday night and we encourage both Jackson and Liam to attend for more ice time and to learn more important tricks of the trade.
Have a great week everyone and keep your stick on the ice.